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December 2025

If you have a cat, you know they can be very resourceful when it comes to finding warm hiding spots. But that resourcefulness doesn’t usually require a call to Animal Services! 

In early December, we received a call from a concerned community member. The man heard faint meowing coming from his car, and when he went to investigate, he discovered a cat had tucked itself deep in the engine compartment. The cat appeared to be physically ok, but was most definitely stuck. 

Working with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R), we were able to free the cat from the tricky situation.  

Our Animal Services Officers used their expertise to safely restrain and comfort the cat during and after the rescue. This was a situation that definitely required teamwork! After TVF&R lifted the vehicle to allow more space for a person to get under the car, firefighters and one of our Animal Services Officers worked from both above and below the engine to help the cat wiggle free from the situation.

Once the cat arrived at our shelter, our staff veterinarian immediately examined him and determined he was uninjured, if not a little dirty.

Reuniting pets with their people is our number one goal. And as soon as this cat arrived at Bonnie Hays, shelter staff went to work to locate his owner. Luckily, the cat was microchipped, and we learned his name was Tom. We were able to contact his family, who picked him up the very next day.  

All reunions are special, but Tom’s situation is a reminder that some come with bigger challenges that require teamwork, collaboration and patience! 

Tom is also a reminder of the many dangers that exist for cats that spend time outdoors, especially as the weather gets colder. We urge you to consider keeping your cat indoors because it is the safest place for them. The Feline Health Center at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers advice for keeping cats safe. And, if you think of it, bang on the hood of your vehicle before starting your car, especially in the winter months. 

Beau (pictured here with his human) was just one of the hundreds of stray pets we reunited with their families this year. 

Look for the big blue donation bin as you enter the shelter! 

Did you know that if you find a lost dog wearing a Washington County license tag you can use the dog license lookup tool on our website to help the pup get back home? When you type a dog license number into the lookup tool, you'll get the phone number of the owner. Other counties have similar services. We’re here to help, but contacting a dog’s owner directly is often the fastest way to get them home! 

Butters was reunited with his family when a community member who found him used the license lookup tool on our website to contact his owner. We love a happy reunion, whether it happens at our shelter or in your neighborhood!